MOUNTAIN LAKES, NJ — Graphic Arts Advisors, a leading M&A advisory and consulting firm serving the printing, packaging, mailing, and graphic communications industries, served as exclusive M&A advisor to Kase Printing, Hudson, New Hampshire, in its sale to Flagship Press, North Andover, Massachusetts. The transaction reflects the ongoing consolidation among commercial printers as established regional players seek strategic partnerships to ensure long-term continuity and growth.

From initial outreach through closing, Graphic Arts Advisors ran a structured process that included identifying and approaching a targeted universe of strategic buyers, managing negotiations, and providing guidance through stakeholder and creditor discussions necessary to complete the transaction. Michael Wurst, Managing Director, led the engagement in tandem with John Hyde, Managing Director, Special Situations.

“GAA was engaged to identify the best long-term home for Kase Printing’s business within an accelerated timeframe,” Wurst said. “Despite the compressed process, we generated interest from multiple qualified buyers, giving Kase’s leadership the opportunity to select the partner they believed was the strongest fit for their customers and employees. Flagship’s extensive experience executing tuck-in acquisitions proved invaluable and was instrumental in achieving a successful closing.”

Kase Printing built its reputation on consistent quality, hands-on customer relationships, and specialized capabilities in commercial print, book manufacturing, and pharmaceutical folding. That combination of a reliable workforce, established client base, and operational depth positioned the company as a strong fit for a buyer looking to expand its footprint in commercial print and book manufacturing.

Kase Printing's leadership credited the GAA team for their dedication throughout the process. "We knew early on that we needed professional advice, and as it turned out, we needed GAA's guidance through every stage, including the creditor negotiations," said Mike Ribaudo, Executive Vice President. "The team worked tirelessly to get us across the finish line." John Koumantzelis, President, added, "GAA delivered when it mattered."

"Flagship has completed 13 acquisitions over 25 years, so we know what a good fit looks like—and Kase was a good fit," said Jeff Poor, President and CEO of Flagship Press. "This opportunity offered minimal client overlap, complementary capabilities in book manufacturing and pharmaceutical folding, and an expanded geographic footprint with no territory conflicts. Our equipment lined up well with the acquired business and maintains the high level of quality required by Kase Printing’s existing clients. GAA kept the process moving and did a good job keeping both sides on the same page. All in all, this transaction came together the way you hope these things will."

Founded in 1950, Flagship Press is a leader in the commercial printing industry, with a focus on incorporating the latest sustainable printing practices, materials, and technologies. For more information, visit www.flagshippress.com. 

For more information, please visit www.graphicartsadvisors.com.